Alabama

Workers from the Local 142 stagehand union put together the AT&T/Southern Ford Dealers Stage in preparation for Bayfest 2013 on Thursday October 3, 2013. At right is Randy Price of Mobile. (Sharon Steinmann/ssteinmann@al.com)

Undaunted by the forecasts, organizers said Thursday BayFest will go
on rain or shine unless Karen brings the worst of its downpour and winds into
the downtown area. Umbrellas will not be allowed "in order to provide
equal viewing opportunities for everyone," according to the Festival's
Facebook page.

At a press conference Friday, organizers said the continued severe weather threat forced them to cancel performances on all but its three main stages.

Revelers are free to bring ponchos or other "appropriate
rain gear" with them, said MPD spokeswoman Ashley Rains. Ponchos will also
be available for purchase at the Festival.

Ahead of the scheduled performances from artists including
the Zac Brown Band, T.I., R. Kelly and the Isley Brothers, MPD has released the
following safety tips, recommendations and reminders.

Attend
the event with family or friends.

Park
in designated areas.

Secure
important belongings inside of vehicles and out of view.

Parents
should place an identity card in their child's pocket in the event they
become separated from one another. The card should provide the name of the
child, address, telephone contact numbers and the name of a relative.

In the
event that parents and children are separated, the children should be
instructed to go to nearest police officer.

Adults
are encouraged to establish a post-event meeting place for family and
friends in case you become separated.